Day trip to San Juans without car- which island? (Seattle: rentals, camping)

[jm31828]

This Saturday the wife and I have decided we will drive up to Anacortes and park our car for half a day or so and walk onto the ferry to go up to the San Juan islands. I know the ride there and back is spectacular as far as scenery so a big part of it will be to treat it as a scenic tour. But of course we want to enjoy a little bit of time at our destination, too. Any recommendations for which of the islands would be best to visit without a car- which would have the nicest scenery to check out within walking distance of the ferry terminal? We've been to Friday Harbor once (with our car), and I remember the harbor itself was nice, there were some cool places to eat there overlooking the harbor but don't remember seeing much as far as cool, scenic spots really within walking distance there- so I am wondering if one of the other islands may be a better choice this time. Just looking for any opinions that you may have.

Thanks in advance!

[pirateer]

Unless you are an avid bicyclist and want to rent bicycles, my advice would be take your car. Also, won't you have to pay to park your car at Anacortes?

[jm31828]

Originally Posted by pirateer

Unless you are an avid bicyclist and want to rent bicycles, my advice would be take your car. Also, won't you have to pay to park your car at Anacortes?

It's only $5 to park the car all day in Anacortes, so still far cheaper than taking the car onto the ferry. And we aren't looking to fully explore whatever island we go to this time- this is more of a quick trip to enjoy the scenic ride up to the islands, and then to spend just a little time looking around whatever is close to the ferry dock on whichever island we go to.

[pikabike]

Well, you already got the easiest one with things to do right near the terminal.

Orcas Island's terminal has a shop or few near it but, IIRC, past that you need a bike or car to get around.

[Seacove]

You could go to San Juan and just spend time around the harbor, there are restaurants and a few shops. We did that once a few years ago but you need a car to go beyond that.

[Ruth4Truth]

OP, I'd recommend taking bikes on your car, then leave the car in Anacortes. You can bike around San Juan Island easily in an afternoon. It's not a difficult ride. You can stop off at historic sites for a picnic. The ferry terminal areas on the various islands really aren't geared for entertaining tourists; there's not much there. It's not like Bainbridge, and the other islands near Seattle, where there are little shopping districts.

If you two are big walkers, you could go to Orcas, and walk to the little town of East Sound, which is a nice little shopping area with a couple of art galleries, a bakery/restaurant, and that sort of thing. But it's a long walk. Islanders are friendly, though, and it's possible to hitch-hike. Probably not what you had in mind, though.

Sometime in the future, exploring Orcas by car when you have the ferry fare, can be fun. There's a state park on the island with a lake for swimming, and stunning views of all the islands at the top of the mountain, there's a nature preserve for hiking and more views from a local peak, there's horseback riding rentals and guided tours next door to the preserve, a historical society building/museum, shops to explore, lots to do. And sometimes on the ferry ride to and from there, you can see whales or porpoises.

[noah]

Friday Harbor would be best if you don't plan on having wheels, renting a bike or anything. Its the biggest town in the San Juans and its all right there when you get off the boat. For what you are seeking that would be your best bet even though you have been once before.

[Beernik]

Friday Harbor, for sure. There are a lot of places to eat and visit within walking distance of the ferry landing.

I think the Orcas shuttle is running from the ferry landing to Eastsound now, but I'm not sure.

On Lopez, you can't really get to anything past Odlin Park without a car or bike. Well, you can but its a substantial walk.

[jm31828]

Thanks for all the responses! It seems our best choice will be to go back to Friday Harbor, which is kind of what we were thinking anyway.

[StealthRabbit]

Next time... (Or for next reader),

Take your bikes and camping gear (or do a B&B)